Meaning & use

defiant

adjective·Academic

Showing bold resistance or refusal to obey authority, rules, or opposition.

See it in a sentence

The teenager crossed her arms with a defiant look, refusing to apologize.

Despite the ban, defiant protesters continued to gather in the square.

A note on using this word

Defiant often describes both a temporary attitude, like a facial expression, and a sustained pattern of resisting authority.

Words with a similar meaning

rebelliousresistantinsubordinate

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

obedientcompliant

Make it your own

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